EP8: COURAGE: Saudi cyclist Dara Sahab on competing in her first ever race at the inaugural Saudi Games and the potential it holds to uncover the Kingdom’s talent

Dara Sahab is a woman after our co-host Dawn’s own heart. Like her, our 29-year-old gutsy guest took up cycling as a sport only three months before doing her first ever race, and that too in the historic Saudi Games. The biggest national multi-sport, Olympic-style sporting event in Saudi, which took place from October 27 - November 7, was launched to draw out the Kingdom’s athletic talent and provide them an opportunity to grow in their sport. The games are part of the country’s wider ‘Vision 2030’ to diversify the economy and improve the quality of life of citizens. Dara represents a Saudi generation that has been waiting to prove that they have what it takes to get to the top in sports, both on home turf and internationally. We invited Dara on the show, not because she won, but because she embodies all the values we hold dearly at The Mettleset - she showed courage and mettle in abundance even when the odds were stacked against her right from the get go. 
Dara played sports growing up and took up CrossFit as an adult. Why she chose to compete as a cyclist just before the race, not having any background in it, and how she went into it with several unknowns, a climb that she wasn’t aware of or prepared for, and braving the Middle East heat is what we discuss in this episode. 
She also underscores what this opportunity means for her and athletes like her moving forward, along with how races can be better organised for a safe and uplifting experience for all.  
To know more about the Saudi Games, head to saudigames.saFind out more about Vision 2030 on vision2030.gov.sa
Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. 
We’ve got so much respect for Dara’s tenacity and achievements - and don’t doubt you’ll find this chat quite inspiring! Let’s get into it.
For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset
Dawn & Afshan @dawnable @afshahmed